American architect David Manica, who, together with Norman Foster, designed the Generali Stadium, the new stadium for Milan and Inter, spoke to the Milan edition of Repubblica:
"What am I most proud of about the design of Milan's new stadium? Having designed an arena where the experience will be extraordinary from every seat. Whether you are in the Curva, the upper tier or a skybox, you will be close to the pitch and have a perfect view. The roar that made San Siro famous around the world will be even louder, and Milan's great nights will be more exciting than ever.
What makes this project unique compared to the stadiums of other major European clubs? The two Curvas. The Nord and the Sud will be imposing walls of supporters right behind the goals, even closer to the pitch than they are today. They will face each other, and each will be the home of one of the two clubs. The rivalry will be an integral part of the architecture. No other stadium in Europe is similar. We designed the stands starting with the Curvas, because that is where the heart of the stadium beats.
Milan is a city of design, fashion and engineering, where beauty and functionality go hand in hand. We wanted a stadium that expressed the same balance: technologically cutting-edge, yet elegant and with a strong personality. As soon as people enter, they should immediately feel that they are in Milan and nowhere else. I hope Milan's residents will be able to identify with the project.
We designed the stands symmetrically so that neither club would feel like a guest of the other. Each will have its own Curva and its own side of the stadium. Lighting and digital screens will make it possible to transform it depending on which team is playing. With Milan, it will light up red; with Inter, blue, both inside and outside. Two distinct homes within the same building. I think that is something special.
Which parts of the old San Siro will remain?
"That is a question we will answer at a later date. For now, we are focused on the new stadium. However, I can promise that the spirit of San Siro, its atmosphere and the passion of the fans will be at the heart of everything we have designed."
